Begin Again

A heartbroken songwriter (Keira Knightley), a fame chasing boyfriend (Adam Levine of Maroon 5), and a disgraced music executive (Mark Ruffalo) with an ex (Catherine Keener) & an estranged daughter (Hailee Steinfeld) struggle to find their dreams in a masterpiece marriage of movie and music. Def Mos and Ceelo Green round out the talented cast. Writer/director John Carney has stepped up his game since his terrific "Once" film. This is a magnificent blend of wonderful actors, a great script, and beautiful music working in perfect harmony. Carney brings a delightful sense of humor to this how-to-create-a-music-album-on -the-cheap while taking audiences on a New York City tour. Don't get up too soon as the credits start to roll or you may miss the kicker the the story's end.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "making street music" stars out of 4.